As mentioned earlier, I was dithering between extremes for this topic. Nasty, nice, or something with Patrick Swayze in it?
I opted for the first two…
This illustration was done mostly in Inkscape with a bit of Photoshop at the end to colour the scarves and bodies (faces were Inkscape). Nesting dolls are related to garden gnomes and jacks-in-the-box. In retrospect, the font is too over-the-top. It needs something plainer.
This is the nice picture, done first in Photoshop and then tweaked in Inkscape. I did a few colourways.
I’m learning the ropes of both programs, as well as of illustration, so comments and critique are always welcome!
June 3, 2008 at 2:01 am
Nicely done!
A very sinister picture, I think you don’t even need the blood+txt to implicate parenticide, just give the innerdoll a cuddleytoy (or anything other defining a baby) to hold and your done. (or possibly make the blood drip from the rim as a decorative pattern.)
Cheers!
Cal!
June 3, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Excellent-I like the combination of sweet and spooky here!
June 3, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Looks great!
June 4, 2008 at 12:02 pm
A tough metaphor to use without falling into the trap of a cliche. Well done!
June 4, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Both are nice — the second appeals to me a bit more because I like its abstract nature and the muted colors.
I think it’s great that you’re giving yourself projects to challenge yourself and learn about different programs. This is pretty much how I learned Photoshop and Illustrator. Books can only go so far — self-administered projects and exchanges with other artists are the best ways to learn in my opinion.
June 4, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Thanks, all!
Cal, if I were to do this again, I would certainly simplify it (and not use that font, if any lettering).
Steve – that’s pretty much what I was going for, so thanks!
Izhar – I do try to steer clear of cliches or what is to me the most obvious course. Some topics (such as this week’s) are harder than others.
Chris – from much further down the ladder than you, I agree! I find books helpful on top of that experience – to learn easier ways to do something or to see what is possible with a program or medium.
June 6, 2008 at 6:38 am
I like them both.
But my favorite is the second one.
It’s a little more organic.
It would make a lovely greeting card!
Thanks for your comment!
Denise
June 6, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Ooh. I love the top one. Very creepy.
June 8, 2008 at 9:38 am
Love the matricidal dolly!
June 11, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Thankyou, Denise, Shura and Leah!